The owner of oven valeting company Ovenu Ashford is celebrating after the business achieved a clean sweep of maximum rated reviews online.
Simon Herbert, who previously spent almost 20 years working for a leading UK food wholesaler business, is one of 85 Ovenu franchisees who together have amassed almost 25,000 of the highest five-star ratings.
Ovenu Ashford itself has attracted 310 outstanding customer reviews.
Such overwhelmingly positive reviews are crucial when it comes to giving customers the confidence to select a home-based service, according to a mini poll conducted by the company.
It found that 67% of respondents are influenced by positive online reviews when choosing to deal with a business.
Simon Herbert said: “It is gratifying to know Ovenu Ashford’s customers have taken the time and trouble to give the business the highest possible rating.
“No review fell below the maximum five stars so it’s great to know it is held in such high regard and that customers appreciate a high-quality service.”
Franchisees of Ovenu, the leading domestic oven cleaning and valeting specialist, which are based throughout the UK, attracted a total of 24,561 five-star ratings on review platform TRUSTist.
Rik Hellewell, Managing Director of Ovenu, said: “The maximum rating is a tribute to hard work and dedication. After all, they do say the customer is always right!
“Many people are increasingly turning to online reviews when it comes to choosing services, so its tremendous to achieve the highest quality feedback possible.”
However, the poll also found that 59% of people still value and trust a personal recommendation more highly than online praise.
Simon added: “It’s important to receive positive feedback through reviews but many customers also get in touch through a personal recommendation – so it’s nice to be recognised both online and via traditional word of mouth.”
The research, based on a sample of almost 1,350 people, was derived from mini polls conducted on behalf of Ovenu by independent market research company DRG.
It found that 46% of respondents said overwhelmingly positive reviews meant they would be more willing to pay extra for a product or service.
Meanwhile, 57% said they would require more than 85% positive reviews to have full confidence in a business, whilst just 8% of respondents said they would still part with their cash even if half the reviews were negative.